Jan 17, 2018
(Started Jul 15, 2001)

Jun 6, 2016
(Started Jul 15, 2001)

Effectiveness

Major
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

Mild
(insomnia)

Adherence

Always

Burden

Not at all hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Advice & Tips:
The new autoject device is a huge improvement over the old one but I still prefer my wife to administer the injection, so does she. All symptoms/side effects have remained the same since 2010 update.

Cost:
< $25 monthly

Jul 19, 2013
(Started Jul 15, 2001)

Effectiveness

Major
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

None

Adherence

Always

Burden

Not at all hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Cost:
$25-49 monthly

Oct 8, 2010
(Started Jul 15, 2001)

Effectiveness

Major
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

None

Adherence

Always

Burden

Not at all hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Advice & Tips:
I've been taking Betaseron for almost a decade and it seems to work; I haven't gotten worse or required a hospital visit. I had flu-like symptoms in the first several months I took it and maybe once a year since. I bruise in the injection spots, occasionally and sometimes the medicine burns going in. The autoject device is good to get familiar with in case your significant other or caretaker is not available to deliver it to you. One thing I noticed is that I haven't caught the flu since going on Betaseron. Since 2003 or so, Betaseron does not require refrigeration and that was a welcome change.

Cost:
$25-49 monthly

0helpful marks

Feb 28, 2017
(Started Dec 15, 2005)

Effectiveness

Can't tell
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

Moderate
(injection site redness, stiffness/spasticity)

Adherence

Usually

Burden

Somewhat hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Cost:
< $25 monthly

Oct 22, 2012
(Started Dec 15, 2005)

Effectiveness

Can't tell
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

Mild
(injection site redness, stiffness/spasticity)

Adherence

Usually

Burden

A little hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Cost:
< $25 monthly

0helpful marks

Jan 2, 2017
(Started May 18, 2009)

Effectiveness

Moderate
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

None

Adherence

Usually

Burden

Somewhat hard to take

Advice & Tips:
Went back on Betaseron when Tecfidera didn't work for me

Cost:
< $25 monthly

Nov 8, 2016
(Started May 18, 2009)

Effectiveness

Moderate
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

None

Adherence

Usually

Burden

Somewhat hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Advice & Tips:
On November 8,2016 I began Tecfidera as prescribed by my new MS doctor.

Cost:
< $25 monthly

Jun 24, 2015
(Started May 18, 2009)

Effectiveness

Moderate
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

Severe
(injection site pain)

Adherence

Never taken as prescribed

Burden

Somewhat hard to take

Advice & Tips:
I have stopped taking the Beta. I'd been on it since 2009 and in 2014 I found myself in a horrible depression...NOT suicidal, but complete lack of energy, didn't care about anything, sat on the couch all day watching tv. Stopped cleaning house and letting myself go. Since I've been off of it I am back to myself!

Cost:
< $25 monthly

May 25, 2015
(Started May 18, 2009)

Effectiveness

Moderate
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

Moderate
(injection site pain)

Adherence

Usually

Burden

Very hard to take

Advice & Tips:
I've been on Beta since 2009. At first it was easy to keep track, but as time went on, it became more and more difficult to remember to take my shot. Then I had a few injection site infections and I was running out of places to inject. If I did my arms or thighs, I had side effects, so I only injected in my belly or hips. Then late in 2014 I began to sink into a deep depression which can be a side effect of being on it for a long period of time. So I went off of it in November 2014 and am taking a break. I feel so much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 27, 2009
(Started Apr 27, 2009)

Effectiveness

Can't tell
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

Mild
(headaches)

Adherence

Always

Burden

Not at all hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Advice & Tips:
Prepping and giving shots myself (with auto injector) is easy even with my tremors. I use and rotate only the front 12 sites. Sometimes I hardly feel the shot; sometimes it feels like a bee sting; once in awhile a little blood surfaces. I typically get mild headaches on my off day - easily managed with Advil - no other side effects. It's nice that free sharps disposal is available in my town.

Cost:
< $25 monthly

Side effects:
headaches, injection site redness

0helpful marks

Sep 12, 2014
(Started Jul 01, 2007)

Effectiveness

Slight
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

None

Adherence

Always

Burden

Not at all hard to take

Advice & Tips:
I don't know what to say. MS is different for every single one of us, so waht works for me, may not be up your alley.

0helpful marks

Jun 26, 2014
(Started Jul 01, 2010)

Effectiveness

Can't tell
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

None

Adherence

Always

Burden

A little hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Advice & Tips:
After I learned how to give myself the injections it has been smooth. I do use a shot device so I don't have to look at the needle going into my body. I just have to remember to take it every other day, and that took some time, but now it is just part of my routine. I am conscious about taking it because I is told it would slow the progression of the disease.

Cost:
< $25 monthly

0helpful marks

May 15, 2014
(Started Mar 15, 1993)

Effectiveness

Moderate
(for multiple sclerosis)

Side effects

Mild
(injection site lumps and bumps)

Adherence

Always

Burden

Somewhat hard to take

Dosage:
0.3 mg
Every other day

Advice & Tips:
It was hard for me to be able to get up the courage to give myself shots every other day! About the same time I was diagnosed my 9 yr old nephew was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes ~ he had to give himself shots 4 times a day & he was always giving me a high ✋ ~ encouragement! ❤️ God Bless that little guy! Without him being so spunky Idk if could have been as strong! He was an inspiration!